Friday espresso: Unlearning the Old to Embrace the New: Lessons from the Other Side of the Mic
Oct 24, 2025 1:01 am
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Unlearning the Old to Embrace the New: Lessons from the Other Side of the Mic
I’ve always been the one interviewing leaders, thinkers, and changemakers on my Lead Change Heart Way podcast. But in the recent A to Z Podcast hosted by Elton Lim, the tables have turned. This time, I was the one being interviewed.
Sitting on the other side of the conversation, I was reminded of something I’ve always believed but rarely get to experience so personally: growth begins the moment you step out of what’s familiar.
In the episode, we talked about the art of unlearning.
It made me reflect on how much unlearning has shaped not just my leadership, but my life. Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned after decades of coaching, it’s this — the future doesn’t belong to those who know the most, but to those who can unlearn with boldness.
👇Catch the full podcast episode here!
https://youtu.be/W1G0Pyb1DWE?si=SLfLCzkUCpFTSxZI
WHY Unlearning Matters More Than Ever
We often think growth is about adding more knowledge, more skills, more strategies.
But in actuality, sustainable growth often begins with subtraction.
🧠 Old habits block new thinking. When we rely on what used to work, we stop questioning whether it still does. Unlearning is the courage to admit that yesterday’s success formula might not serve tomorrow.
🌍 The world is shifting faster than our comfort zones. AI, Gen Z, and hybrid work aren’t just new trends, they demand new ways of thinking, leading, and collaborating. What worked pre-pandemic might now be a roadblock.
💬 Growth requires humility. Unlearning asks us to say, “I don’t know.” It invites curiosity over certainty, and that’s where real learning begins.
WHAT It Really Means to Unlearn
Unlearning isn’t forgetting. It’s reframing what we know, so we can evolve.
🔄 It’s uncomfortable by design. When you challenge old mindsets, your ego resists. But that discomfort? It’s a sign you’re growing.
🧩 It’s not about erasing experience. Instead, it’s integrating wisdom with new awareness, connecting what’s timeless with what’s emerging.
🚀 It’s a leadership advantage. The best leaders today aren’t the ones with all the answers, but the ones willing to question their own playbook.
HOW to Practice the Art of Unlearning
So, how do we start shifting from “I know already la!” to “Tell me more”?
👂 Listen like it’s the first time. Even if you’ve heard it before, listen with new ears. Every conversation has something to teach, if we stop filtering it through what we already believe.
🧭 Audit your autopilot. Notice your default patterns, the phrases, the routines, the “this is how I’ve always done it.” Ask: does this still serve me or my team?
🪞 Seek mirrors, not echoes. Surround yourself with people (especially from different generations!) who challenge your assumptions instead of confirming them. Growth doesn’t happen in echo chambers.
✨ The Heart of Change
When I sat in that interview chair, I realized how easy it is to teach about change… and how humbling it is to live it.
Gen Z is teaching us the choices we have. AI is forcing us to stay human.
And unlearning? That’s the bridge between the two.
So today, I’ll leave you with one question I’ve been asking myself lately —
👉 “What do I need to stop doing to move forward?”
Because sometimes, the next version of you is waiting on the other side of what you’re willing to let go.
At mq Training, we’re celebrating 20 years of unlearning, growing, and transforming together.
The mq20 Anniversary Learning Fest is our way of living out these lessons — offering six complimentary full-day in-person programs that help leaders and teams build the mindsets of tomorrow: agility, resilience, communication, and growth. It is happening soon in Nov!
It’s a chance to pause, reflect, and step into the next season of growth — together.
Here’s to the next 20 years of resilience, growth, and transformation. 🌻
Visit and follow us on LinkedIn at mq Training Coaching Consulting for the latest updates and find out more about mq20 Anniversary Learning Fest!
That’s the espresso, keep the momentum! ☕😌
Stay caffeinated & curious!
Koo Lily
l Founder of mq Training Coaching Consulting l
Leadership Coach l Change Facilitator l Speaker l
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For enquiry, please email us at customerservice@mq.com.my.
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